State parks roll out the festivities for Fourth of July

Herald-Leader Staff Report

Kentucky State Parks will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, contests and special activities.

Here's a list of activities at parks in Central Kentucky. All of the events are on the Fourth of July unless indicated.

Go to www.parks.ky.gov or call the parks for more information.

■ Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, 10299 Maysville Road, Carlisle: Activities July 3 to 5 will include a free walk through the battlefield at 1 p.m. and canoe trips down the Licking River at 9:30 a.m. for $10. On July 4, an all-you-can-eat buffet for $19.95 will be served at Hidden Waters Restaurant. Call (859) 289-55071

■ Fort Boonesborough State Park, 4375 Boonesboro Road, Richmond: Activities will include camper decoration contests, games, crafts, free miniature golf, free historic tours, a hayride, a parade, live entertainment, and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. The show is free. Parking is $3 a vehicle. Call (859) 527-3131.

■ General Butler State Resort Park, 1608 Ky. 227, Carrollton: The Kentucky Kruizers Car Club Show will feature custom and vintage cars, and there will be music from the '50s and '60s, plus food and merchandise booths. A fireworks show over Butler Lake will be at 9:30 p.m. There is a registration fee to enter vehicles for judging; other events are free. Call (502) 732-4384

■ Old Fort Harrod State Park, 100 South College, Harrodsburg: On July 4, there will be a picnic from noon to 1 p.m. featuring the Heavenly Hands puppet ministry. On July 5, the Patriot Quartet, a local Southern Gospel group, will perform patriotic songs for the James Harrod Entertainment Sampler beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $5, free for children younger than 6. Call (859) 734-3314.

■ Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, 965 Lodge Road, Greenup: Activities will include hiking, biking, horseback riding, miniature golf, fishing, tennis and boating. New Time will perform Bluegrass music from 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. Call (606) 473-7324.